Stowe is truly a year round resort offering a wide range of activities. In Winter there is downhill and cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, sleigh rides and horseback riding. Spring, Summer and Fall offer hiking, golf, tennis, canoeing and horseback riding. Fly fishing for trout in Spring is a local favorite and hot air ballooning over the mountains in Summer is an exciting experience.
Throughout the year you can enjoy the Recreation Path which begins in town and winds its way 5.5 miles toward the mountain through the woods, beside bubbling brooks and next to open fields. Depending on the season you can walk it, bike it, cross-country ski it, roller blade it or snow shoe it. It is wonderful introduction to the beauty of Stowe. There are sights to see, shops to explore, art galleries in which to browse and antiques stores to search for treasures.
Golf
The beautiful Stowe Country Club, right off the Mountain Road is a marvelous track cut into the mountains. The Stowe Mountain Golf Club has been hailed as “one of the top 10 new courses” in America. Open to members and resort guests.
Skiing
If you are an expert, you will want to test yourself at the “Front Four” at Mansfield. As an intermediate, I like Big Spruce Mountain, particularly with the new high speed lift and snow making. beginners will enjoy Easy Mile, Toll Road and Little Spruce. There is also a gondola that connects the two mountains.
For cross country go to the Trapp Family Lodge has been called “one of the best cross country ski centers in the world,” by Ski Magazine. Most challenging, beautiful scenery and the opportunity to ski to the Slayton pasture cabin, about 3 miles, and enjoy hot chocolate and lunch by a roaring fire.
Tennis
Topnotch Resort has 10 outdoor, four indoor courts.
Walking/Running/Biking
There may be no better place anywhere to walk, run, bike, roller blade or cross country ski or snowshoe than the Stowe Recreation Path. 5.5 miles from town toward the mountain, the path winds its way through the woods, beside farm fields and along a rushing brook. It is truly a remarkable experience. If you enjoy these activities, the Rec path alone is reason to come to Stowe
Kayaking/Canoeing
Another great way to experience the breathtaking Vermont scenery is on a canoe or kayak trip. There are plenty of options close to Stowe; Lake Elmore is easily accessible and has a state campground and beach; Green River Reservoir is pristine and undeveloped; Lamoille and Winooski rivers, wind through farms and forested countryside. You can rent a canoe or kayak, we suggest Umiak on Rt 100, and go by yourself or take a guided tour. Doesn’t matter whether you have experience. Just pack a lunch and enjoy yourself.
Swimming
First choice is Bingham Falls, a natural waterfall with deep pools & gorges. Located 6 miles north of towm on the Mountain Rd. Spruce Peak Resort has a heated indoor/outdoor pool.
Fishing
Fly fishing for trout is a great adventure in the many streams, rivers and ponds surrounding Stowe. Catamount Fishing Adventures can plan the whole thing for you, whether you are an experienced fisherman or a novice.
Snowmobiling
We recommend, Umiak Outfitters on Rt. 100, just before town. Custom tours with stops for refreshments, lunch or dinner can be arranged for corporate groups.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing has become one of our favorite activities in the winter and Stowe has some of the best places to enjoy it. The Recreation Path is one with fairly level terrain. We like to start either in town or at the mountain end, shoe to Ideltyme Brewing, have lunch and head back. A little more demanding, but quite beautiful is the track in Wiessner Woods. Lots of trails and a very good work-out. Umiak Outfitters has a number of snowshoe tours available. We like the Moonlight Cabin Tour, a 3 hour trip (6:30-9:30pm) where you are led through the woods in the moonlight (or headlamp) to a hidden cabin. By a warm fire, you’ll enjoy cheese, crackers and hot cider. Easy trip. Rentals available at Umiak or Pinnacle on the Mountain Road.
Ice Skating
Spruce Peak Village offers ice skating with lots of options around for cocktails and hot chocolate.
Hiking
Perhaps, you’ll feel the need to work off those lunches and dinners with an invigorating hike in the mountains. The Pinnacle Trail is a relatively short hike located east of town. The trailhead in Stowe Hollow is a 2.8-mile drive from Main Street on mostly paved roads. From the trailhead it’s a 1.4-mile hike to the summit of the Pinnacle, a 2,740-foot peak in the Worcester Range (the eastern border of Stowe).
Horseback Riding
Trail riding on horseback is a year round adventure in Stowe, beautiful amidst the lush greenery of summer or the peaceful solitude of newly fallen snow. Topnotch just off the Mountain Road is the best.
Sights/Tours
Last but not least, there’s the sightseeing excursion. Visit the world famous Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory on Route 100 in Waterbury, 15 minutes from Stowe. Then drive north on Rt. 89, about 15 minutes to the Cabot Creamery and see how Vermont cheddars are produced. No visit to Stowe would be complete without a visit to the Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and wonderful cider donuts.
Antiques/Galleries
There are many roadside antique stores along Route 100 leading up to Stowe, Early Vermont Antiques (802-244-5373) is just one, across from the Ben & Jerry’s factory in Waterbury. There are also more across from the Cold Hollow Cider Mill a little farther up the road. See the Vermont Antique Trail.
For art galleries, there is Front Four Gallery on Mountain Road and the The Current on Pond & School Streets in Stowe Village.
The Arts
Visit Stowe Today for the latest on arts, theater, music, film and more in the Valley.
Theater
Stowe Theatre Guild, Town Hall Theater, presents popular productions throughout most of the year.
Ballooning
No better way to appreciate the beauty of Stowe than from the air. Above Reality offers hot air balloon rides Spring thru Fall.
Shopping
All shopping trips start at Shaws General Store, in the heart of town has been there forever and carries things you never thought about. Visit Stowe Gems for handcrafted gold, silver and platinum, Stowe Living on the Mountain Road for a great selection of items for your home, the Yellow Turtle for children’s wear. Try Well Heeled on the Mountain Road for great women’s shoes. Stowe Mercantile in the Village offers “everything Vermont”. If you love interiior design, you’ll want to check out Farm Home Marketplace.
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